Saturday, 7 June 2008

Minsmere, Northrepps, & Ely

Another early start, being picked up by Ant, at some ridiculous hour of the morning alongside Dan, meeting Paul on the way in Surrey. Arriving at Minsmere at a slightly more reasonable time. We located the bird on song on approach easily with no further sign after that.

Pissing it down with rain, myself and Dan got bored, and headed off to the hides. LRP, and Little Gulls the only thing to show for it. While we were gone, the bird decided to show itself well but briefly.

Waiting several more hours the bird continued to sing, and just one brief view was had, before we got frustrated and left.

A Bee-eater came on the pager at around midday, and Paul needed, surprised it stuck around we went regardless. On arrival the bird showed very well at range.

Then heading South, stopping at Ely, Cambridgeshire, we successfully twitched the Icterine Warbler which was fairly mobile, but did show well at times. The bird was heard to mimic quail, blackbird, kestrel, sparrow, and goldfinch etc.

The day finished with a hunting Long-eared Owl.

Heading south again, we didn't get home till the early hours, and I was knackered!!

No comments:

About Me

Welcome to my newly revamped blog - I am currently studying Wildlife & Media at the University of Cumbria where I currently spend a large proportion of the year. In between terms, however, I go back home and do as much birding in Hampshire as possible. It ain't no Norfolk but I love it just the same.
My interest for birds started in 2002, and continued to grow, thanks to the Fuller's, who took me under their wing(s). From 2005 I unfortunately got more involved in twitching. And so now find myself travelling vast distances, and spending money that I can't really afford to spend to feed my obsession - in seeing birds that I haven't already seen in Britain and Ireland. Surprisingly I don't keep a lifelist as my total doesn't really interest me.
Since springing onto the birding scene I have met many great people who have taught me an invaluable amount in this hobby, and to whom I am very grateful for!